ISLAMABAD: In a response submitted to the Supreme Court, Mashreq Bank of the United Arab Emirates clarified that the £190 million transferred from the United Kingdom was not intended for the government of Pakistan. The bank, along with the UK’s National Crime Agency’s 2019 letter, stated that a UK judge had invalidated the account freezing order.
According to the bank, the NCA letter indicated that the account holder did not send the funds to Pakistan under the direction of the NCA. Instead, the money was remitted to the Supreme Court’s account at the instruction of a family member of Malik Riaz, who held the account.
It’s worth noting that, through a March 21, 2019 order, the Supreme Court had determined Rs460 billion for the land agreement between Bahria Town Ltd, Karachi, and the land provided by Malir Development Authority.
The Supreme Court issued notices to several entities, including Fortune Event Limited, Mubashara Ali Malik, Bina Riaz and Sana Salman, Ahmed Ali Riaz, Mashreq Bank, Ultimate Holdings MGT Ltd, Premier Investments Global Ltd, and Wedlake Bell LLP. The SC office was directed to send these notices through registered post and also through the Pakistan Embassy/High Commission or Pakistan Consulate.
